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At the First Inter-American Summit of Women's Refuges, September 2006
Sheffield is developing an international reputation for the development of services and multi-agency working to tackle domestic abuse.
The Sheffield Domestic Abuse Forum Co-ordinator, Maureen Storey, has just returned from Mexico where she was invited to speak at the first Inter-American Summit of Women's Refuges.
She was asked to share her experiences, particularly of promoting joint working between the specialist domestic abuse services and other agencies like the police, health, housing and children's services.
"We have to keep reminding people that women's services alone can't meet all the needs of women and children affected by domestic abuse and intimidation - domestic abuse is everyone's responsibility, and there should be no excuses. Most Latin American countries still have a strong culture of 'machismo', with very little sense that violence against women and children is a state issue, or co-operation from the police or local government to support women and challenge abusive men."
"I came away with so much admiration for the courage of Latin American women living and working in refuges, now that I know what they are up against."
The visit gave Maureen a chance to reflect on how far we've come in the UK in the last 30 years, despite the worrying statistics.
Domestic abuse statistics and background information |
UK | Mexico |
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At least 2 women are killed every week on average, in England and Wales alone, by their male partner or ex-partner.
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20 women are killed every day, and another 20 commit suicide, as result of domestic and gender-based violence.
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1 in 4 women (25%) have been physically assaulted by their partner or ex-partner at some time in their lives. Attitudes to domestic abuse and services for those affected have improved greatly in the past 10 years. Agencies are learning to work together, especially where children are involved.
Domestic abuse is seen as a state responsibility, with clearer sanctions for abusers.
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7 in 10 (70%) Mexican women and girls will experience violence at some stage in their lives as a result of their gender. Family and church are the dominant institutions in Mexico, and the dominant culture of machismo means domestic abuse is not taken seriously.
Most 'shelters' are run by women's organisations or the church. The police and legal officials can often be bribed.
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After an intensive 3-day conference - celebrations in the Zocalo (lights for Mexico's national day) socialising with delegates from many parts of Latin America (Maureen is 2nd from right)
Margarita Guillé Tamayo
Conference organiser, and Director of the National Network of Refuges in Mexico (a hugely important role she undertakes on a voluntary basis).
Maureen Storey
Maureen has been an active campaigner on issues of violence against women since she joined Sheffield Women's Aid as a volunteer nearly 30 years ago. She has worked for Sheffield Domestic Abuse Forum for the past 11 years.
Sheffield Domestic Abuse Forum
Works with statutory and voluntary agencies in Sheffield with the aim of reducing the levels and seriousness of domestic abuse in the city. We produce information resources, deliver training and promote joint working to tackle domestic abuse. SDAF also manages a resettlement support service for women, and a children's group work programme (Step by Step). We have just secured Home Office funding to set up a new Advocacy Service to support high-risk victims involved with court proceedings.
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